The Passage

Set against the backdrop of a township brimming with both potential and peril, The Passage tells the story of Bafana, a bright and ambitious 17-year-old, whose dreams of becoming a lawyer are overshadowed by his toxic loyalty to his best friend, Mrembula. When Mrembula, a street-smart manipulator with a dark agenda, rapes Bafana’s girlfriend, Dakalo, the plot takes a chilling turn. Mrembula blackmails Bafana into fabricating an alibi, forcing him to choose between his conscience and the oppressive code of brotherhood. This harrowing tale is the second installment in Mlaba’s trilogy exploring the harsh realities of township life. Drawing inspiration from films like Boyz N the Hood and Rashomon, Mlaba juxtaposes universal themes with deeply South African nuances, creating a narrative that is both culturally specific and globally resonant.